Many golfers have boxes of balls in the garage that are several years old. Are they still good? The good news is that modern golf balls are very durable and keep their performance for years if stored properly. Extreme heat, long immersion in water and physical damage are what really affect them.
Shelf life
Modern solid-core balls are very stable. Stored in a cool, dry place, they can perform close to new for years. Read the history of the golf ball.
What affects golf balls?
| Factor | Effect |
|---|---|
| Extreme heat (hot cars, direct sun) | May affect cover and core over time |
| Cold | Temporarily firmer, shorter flight |
| Long water immersion | Can reduce distance. Read used golf balls |
| Cuts and scuffs | Affect flight and spin |
| Heavy use | Cover wear |
Storage tips
- Room temperature, dry place.
- Avoid hot cars and garages with temperature extremes.
- Keep in boxes until use.
When to replace a ball
- Visible cuts or cracks.
- Heavy scuffs after bunker or cart-path impacts.
- Discolouration from long exposure.
- Out of round (rare).
Under the rules, you may replace a ball during a hole if it's cut or cracked. Read golf rules every golfer should know.
In cold weather
Keep spare balls in a pocket to keep them warm. Read winter golf and golf ball compression explained.
Do found or water balls perform worse?
Balls retrieved from lakes and ponds have been soaking in water, sometimes for months or years. Research and testing suggest:
- A few days in water makes little difference to most balls.
- Long soaking can let water affect the core, reducing distance slightly.
- Visible damage, such as discoloured covers or cuts, usually means reduced performance.
For casual golf, good-condition recovered balls are fine. For competitions, many golfers prefer new or near-new balls. Read used golf balls guide.
How heat and cold affect balls
- Heat: storing balls in a hot car boot over a summer can affect the cover and core over time. Keep spares indoors.
- Cold: cold balls feel harder and fly shorter, but warm up and recover normally. Keep a spare in your pocket on cold days. Read winter golf guide.
- Freezing: occasional freezing doesn't seem to cause lasting damage, but avoid extremes.
How long does a ball last in play?
A ball's lifespan is usually decided by damage rather than age:
- Scuffs from cart paths, trees and wedges can alter the flight.
- Cuts expose the inner layers and reduce performance.
- Heavy use: a soft-covered ball may show wear after a round or two of wedge play; a firmer cover lasts longer.
Most club golfers lose balls long before they wear out.
Signs a ball should be retired
| Sign | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Cuts or cracks in the cover | Affects flight and can worsen |
| Deep scuffs | Changes the airflow over the dimples |
| Out-of-round shape | Rare, but affects roll and flight |
| Strange flight or sound | Possible internal damage |
| Discolouration | May indicate long water exposure |
Getting the most from your balls
- Rotate balls in a round if you notice wear after hitting the cart path.
- Clean balls regularly to keep the dimples clear. Read how to clean golf clubs.
- Store sleeves indoors at room temperature.
- Play a ball that suits you. Read golf ball compression explained.
Frequently asked questions
Do golf balls expire?
Not in a strict sense; properly stored balls last many years.
Are old golf balls still good?
Usually, if stored well and undamaged.
Does leaving golf balls in a hot car ruin them?
Repeated extreme heat may affect them; avoid it.
How many holes does a golf ball last?
Until it's damaged or lost; many balls last several rounds.
Are 10-year-old golf balls still good?
If they've been stored indoors at moderate temperatures, they'll usually perform very close to new for casual golf.
Should I use new balls in competitions?
Many golfers do, for consistency and confidence, but a good-condition ball from your bag is fine.
The bottom line
Golf balls don't go bad quickly. Store them sensibly, replace damaged ones, and enjoy that box in the garage. For more on balls, read choosing the right golf ball.